CVE-2018-11820 in Snapdragon Auto
Summary
by MITRE
Use of non-time constant memcmp function creates side channel that leaks information and leads to cryptographic issues in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon Connectivity, Snapdragon Consumer Electronics Connectivity, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Industrial IOT, Snapdragon IoT, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Voice & Music, Snapdragon Wired Infrastructure and Networking in versions IPQ8074, MDM9150, MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9640, MDM9650, MDM9655, MSM8996AU, QCA8081, QCS605, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 410/12, SD 425, SD 427, SD 430, SD 435, SD 439 / SD 429, SD 450, SD 615/16/SD 415, SD 625, SD 632, SD 636, SD 650/52, SD 712 / SD 710 / SD 670, SD 800, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845 / SD 850, SD 8CX, SDA660, SDM439, SDM630, SDM660, Snapdragon_High_Med_2016, SXR1130.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-11820 represents a critical side-channel attack vector that exploits the use of non-time constant memcmp functions within Qualcomm's Snapdragon automotive, mobile, and IoT chipsets. This flaw specifically affects cryptographic implementations that rely on constant-time comparison operations to prevent timing attacks, creating a scenario where attackers can extract sensitive information through differential timing analysis. The vulnerability impacts a vast ecosystem of devices including automotive systems, consumer electronics, industrial IoT deployments, and networking infrastructure, making it particularly concerning for widespread security implications.
The technical root cause stems from the implementation of memcmp functions that do not execute in constant time regardless of input values. When comparing cryptographic keys, certificates, or authentication tokens, this non-constant time execution allows attackers to observe timing differences in the comparison process. These timing variations can reveal information about the secret data being compared, effectively enabling attackers to perform side-channel attacks that compromise cryptographic security. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-203: Information Exposure Through Timing Discrepancy, which specifically addresses the risk of exposing sensitive information through timing variations in cryptographic operations. This weakness directly enables attacks that align with ATT&CK technique T1059.001: Command and Scripting Interpreter - PowerShell, as attackers can leverage timing information to reconstruct cryptographic keys or authentication credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple device categories and deployment scenarios, particularly affecting automotive systems where security is paramount for safety-critical operations. In Snapdragon Auto environments, this vulnerability could enable attackers to compromise vehicle security systems, potentially leading to unauthorized access to vehicle control functions. For consumer electronics and IoT devices, the implications include unauthorized access to encrypted communications, compromised user authentication, and potential data breaches. The affected chipsets span from entry-level processors like SD 210/212/205 to high-end mobile processors such as SD 845/850, indicating the widespread nature of this vulnerability across Qualcomm's product portfolio.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of constant-time comparison functions throughout the cryptographic libraries and security protocols within affected systems. Organizations should prioritize updating firmware and software components to versions that implement proper time-constant comparison operations, particularly for cryptographic key validation and authentication processes. The fix should involve replacing standard memcmp implementations with constant-time alternatives that ensure identical execution times regardless of input values, preventing timing-based information leakage. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances where cryptographic comparisons occur and ensure that these operations are protected against timing attacks. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts through timing analysis, and access controls should be strengthened to limit potential attack surface. The remediation process must address both software-level implementations and hardware-level cryptographic operations to ensure complete protection against this class of side-channel attacks.